When Real Madrid bought Gareth Bale in August, Angel Di Maria seemed like the most obvious casualty. There was never a chance of the world’s most expensive player coming off the bench. Di Maria had been a fine player for Madrid over the past few seasons, and it didn’t seem realistic to ask a player of […]
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Occasionally, we as human beings are reminded of what really is important, what really matters. And while we as fans argue and fight and cuss about scorelines, fouls, goal mouth saves, nationalities and much more, they all seem so minor compared to matters of health, life, death and the legacies we leave. So we were […]
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France recently hosted the 2011 Homeless World Cup, which was won by Scotland (men’s) and Kenya (women), which both beat Mexican teams 4-3 in the finals. Never heard of the Homeless World Cup? The competition exists to end homelessness. It’s a beautiful program that is 70 percent successful in lifting its players out of poverty. The key here? […]
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Sepp Blatter and his hierarchy of corruption survived again. The all-powerful leader of FIFA squirmed his way out of corruption charges to be reelected president last week despite persistent accusations of bribery and calls for his head. For lovers of futball, his affirmation is about the most depressing and shameful thing that could have happened. Blatter puts an ugly face on […]
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With South Africa well in our rear view mirror, I thought it might be fun to get some reviews on the tournament. I’ll create a few topics; feel free to respond to them or create your own. I thought this might be a good jumping off point. Matches: The level of play was solid, particularly in the elimination rounds, […]
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AS Roma and its fans are in paradise. Four months after replacing its coach Luciano Spalletti with “The Tinkerman,” Claudio Raniere, “Il Lupi” – the Wolves – are unbeaten in 20 matches, and won 17 of those. La Magica has truly earned its nickname: After finishing a disappointing sixth in Serie A last season and […]
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The scoring of a goal in soccer is roughly equivalent to reaching the mountaintop, an emotional explosion of hours of hard work paying off. Which is why a beautiful goal celebration usually ensues. Sometimes, celebrations involve removing jerseys, an expression of passion and glory. But FIFA and many leagues now forbid the taking off of […]
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The United States’ historic 2-0 win over Spain last night may or may not have been a “miracle,” or the second biggest upset ever by an American team. But I believe it will mark the day when ”soccer” gained international respect. Not only did the U.S. defeat the world’s top-rated team that was playing almost all of its starters, but we deserved […]
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French and American amateur soccer lovers will today renew an old rivalry near Normandy beach on the 65th anniversary of when American, British and Canadian troops stormed the French beaches on their way to ousting the Nazis from Europe. The match will take place in the town of St. Pierre Eglise, and commemorates July 24, 1944, when 22 men took off their military uniforms […]
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Have you seen it? Syndicated sports columnist Norman Chad’s latest cheap shots against soccer and its popularity here in the U.S.? The TU Sports section ran it in a prominent spot on Tuesday, giving it more ink than it’s given the world game for weeks combined. It’s Chad’s annual diatribe against soccer, and how it’s […]
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